Lake Mendocino campgrounds may open soon

Day-use areas and campgrounds at Lake Mendocino may be reopened soon thanks to new funding allocations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported this week.

Spokesman J.D. Hardesty said Friday that no closed facilities will likely be opened this weekend, but staff members are working to get them ready for visitors.

"We'll be opening them as they get approved," Hardesty said. "The rangers are making sure they are secure and clean, providing a good, recreational environment."

The areas closed to the public last fall at the lake include: Bushay campgrounds and day-use areas; Kyen campgrounds, CheKaKa campground, Pomo A, B and C day-use areas, Pomo Cultural Center, the Overlook, Joe Riley day-use area, North and South Boat Ramp launches (for boater safety due to lack of water), Miti boat-in campground (due to lack of water).

The North and South Boat Ramp restrooms will remain closed, as well as the Dam Crest parking lot restroom.

Areas that are open at Lake Mendocino include the North and South Boat Ramp parking lots, the Dam Crest parking lot, Laweyo Horse Staging Area and trail, Shakota Trail, Oak Grove day-use area, North and South Disc Golf courses, and the Lake Mendocino Park Headquarters and the Inlet Road.

Budget restrictions closed the facilities, but funding "under the Corps' Work Plan for 2014" will allow them to open.

Hardesty said the lake's water level is still too low to open the boat ramps, and the "five boat-in campgrounds will be temporarily changed to hike-in campgrounds until water access by boat is possible."

As the facilities reopen, Hardesty said a new parking fee will be implemented: $3 per vehicle for day use. The fee will begin May 1.

He said the fee will likely not be charged at parking lots near the visitor center or restrooms, and people paying for camping will not be charged an additional $3 fee.

Frequent users can also buy a $30 annual pass, which allows a vehicle to park at all USACE's lakes and recreational areas nationwide.